TCU Football Recruiting: Horned Frogs announce 2016 class

The TCU Horned Frogs welcome a new crop of talented players to campus, announcing the 2016 TCU football recruiting class on National Signing Day.

TCU has made tremendous strides during head coach Gary Patterson’s 15 years at the helm in Fort Worth. From Conference USA to the Mountain West, to BCS bowl games, and eventually to a Power Five conference, Patterson’s Horned Frogs have exceeded expectations on a nearly annual basis without premium talent.

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However, as a Big 12 contender, TCU now has access to top-shelf talent and Patterson and his coaching staff are capitalizing.

With 22 new signees, including seven four-star prospects, TCU has the second-best class in the Big 12 in 2016 and ranks No. 18 in the country according to 247Sports. That makes this year’s crop the highest ranked in school history.

Five junior college transfers are already enrolled and will be available to participate in spring practice, including 6-foot-3, 180-pound wide receiver Taj Williams and 6-foot, 225-pound outside linebacker Tyree Horton, both of whom rank No. 1 at their respective positions among this year’s JUCO prospects. Cornerback Markell Simmons, defensive end Mat Boesen and offensive tackle Chris Gaynor will join them.

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Among high school signees, the headliner is four-star athlete Sewo Olonilua, a 6-foot-2, 217-pound Humble, Texas native that could play either running back or outside linebacker for the Horned Frogs. Defensive end Isaiah Chambers, who like Olonilua is a top 125 national recruit, as well as wideout Isaiah Graham, could also have an early impact for the Frogs.

Complete 2016 TCU Football Recruiting Class:

Note: All rankings mentioned come from 247Sports unless otherwise noted.